Though I wouldn't call myself a "meat and potatoes" person, I would very much so call myself a "carbaholic." Whether it be rice, potatoes, pasta, couscous, or barley,
I have to have carbs at every meal, which has in turn led me to seek out more figure friendly carbs... and by that I mean more fiberous, as I like my figure friendly carbs oozing cheese. :)
I'm a cheese head, what can I say!
You can add whatever vegetables you like to this dish and it always comes out great. I like zucchini and/or yellow squash because I find them to be mild in flavor and not overpowering. After all, it is mandatory that the cheese is the star component, and oh yeah the barley too!
Serves 4-5 people as a side dish
1 cup of pearl barley, rinsed
1/2 cup of white wine
2+ cups of chicken broth (I start with 2 and add more if needed)
2-3 shallots, minced
1 small bulb of garlic, minced (if you like it as much as I do- if not 3-5 cloves)
1/4 tsp or a dash of red pepper flakes
1.5 cups of finely shredded cheese... use your favorite. I like parmesan, gruyere or anything really.
3 yellow squash, chopped or which ever veggie you plan to use
Fresh chopped herbs or dried herbs for seasoning - italian seasoning or herbs de Provence are always great blends (oregano, parsley, thyme, rosemary, basil, sage.... again use what you like or have on hand)
(optional but ohhh so yummy is lemon zest from 1 lemon!)
a Tbls of EVOO-extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper -- duh!
In a large skillet, drizzle EVOO; heat over medium/high heat
add shallots and garlic saute about 2 minutes
Add in red pepper flakes, seasoning and salt and pepper
toss in dry risotto for about 2 minutes
Add wine and let the risotto absorb about 50% of the liquid
Add chicken broth bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer and cover.
Add the vegetables
Cook for about 50 minutes (until barley is tender), stirring periodically. You may have to add more chicken broth if the barley has absorbed it all or if it is sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Remove from heat and stir in cheese, taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
ENJOY!
